10 Money-saving Ideas from People Who Are Never Broke in January

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and giving. Like most people, you have your list ready, in writing or in mind. You know, that long one with the names of individuals you need to send gifts to, the decorations you want to adorn your space with, events you've committed to attending, and places you plan to travel to. 

However, amidst the festive cheer, it's crucial to acknowledge that every item on your list comes with a price tag. If not approached mindfully, overspending during the holidays can easily transform the season of merriment into a period of financial stress and post-holiday blues, leaving you entering January broke.

But it doesn't have to be that way. It's entirely possible to navigate the holiday season and check off your to-do list without overspending, plunging into debt, or starting the new year on the wrong foot. In this article, ten people who are never broke in January share money-saving strategies they use. 

Read Also: 10 Tips to Survive the Holidays if You Have no Money

1. Have Your January Rent Ready Before January

“The running joke about January being the longest month in the calendar isn't just about perception; it's a financial challenge many can relate to. 

With December salaries often arriving earlier than usual, the challenge becomes managing that income effectively to ensure it lasts until the next payday in January. One trick I've picked up is to be proactive about it and set aside money for big-ticket expenses, particularly your rent. 

Knowing that my rent is covered provides a sense of financial security, easing the mental burden that often accompanies the arrival of a new year. I can focus on the holidays, set my resolutions, and enjoy the excitement of a new year without worrying about overspending.

While paying January rent early is a significant step, it's just one piece of the puzzle. I apply the same strategy to other bills and expenses. For example, once I receive my December salary, I plan to buy my January shopping (non-perishable groceries) when doing holiday shopping. I estimate that bulk shopping can save me upto Ksh2,000.”

— Ombati 

2. Postpone Your Vacation to Low Season (February) 

“The excitement of planning a vacation can sometimes be dampened by the realization that your budget doesn't quite match your dreams. This happened to me when I crunched the numbers for my upcoming Zanzibar trip scheduled for the last week of December. The budget I had prepared fell short by an extra Ksh20,000, making me contemplate dipping into my emergency savings.

However, a moment of financial prudence struck me – rather than jeopardizing my financial stability by borrowing from emergency funds, why not postpone the vacation to a more budget-friendly time? This led me to reschedule my trip to February 2024, and travel during the the off-season, which came with several financial benefits. 

First, I will avoid the immediate strain on my finances by not borrowing from my emergency savings. This safety net is meant for unforeseen circumstances, and a planned vacation doesn't quite fit that bill. 

Second, travelling during the off-season comes with substantial cost savings as airlines and hotels often slash their prices to attract more customers. 

Third, I will be able to stretch my budget further. The Ksh20,000 shortfall will no longer be an obstacle, and I might even have room for more luxurious accommodation or additional activities. 

Postponing your vacation to the low season is not about canceling your plans; it's about optimizing them to align with your budgetary constraints and compromising your financial health.”

—Zawadi

Read Also: 6 Reasons to Postpone your December Vacation to February 

3. Have a Holiday Budget and Stick to It

“One effective money-saving idea that has helped me maintain a healthy balance between celebration and fiscal responsibility is to have a holiday budget and stick to it. 

Two weeks before Christmas, I typically assess my finances to determine how much money I can realistically allocate to holiday expenses. This includes gifts, food, decorations, events, and potential travel plans. 

Once I understand my spending limit, I create a detailed list of everything I need to buy for the holidays. I assign an individual budget to each item on the list for accuracy. This allows me to track every expense more effectively. 

During my recent budgeting process, I realized that I may not have enough to cover all the holiday expenses, so I made some adjustments. This strategic planning helps me avoid dipping into funds intended for January expenses. When making a budget, flexibility is a simple yet effective way to maintain financial discipline during the holiday frenzy. 

However, as you know, creating a budget is only half the battle; sticking to it is the most crucial part. Throughout the holiday season, I remain mindful of my spending habits. One trick I have to be effective is regularly reviewing my expenses against my budget to keep myself on track. ”

- Moraa

4. Take Advantage of Free Events 

“There are always many events in December, but most cost money. 

When cash is tight, my go-to strategy involves scouring the town for no-cost festivals, music nights, and other happenings. Nairobi offers a treasure trove of entertainment that won't cost you a dime. So, instead of fretting over missing expensive outings, keep your eyes on local events. You can fund many of them on Facebook Events or ask around in your local community and religious organizations.  

And when I'm in the mood for something more meaningful than just entertainment, volunteering becomes my top choice. December is a season of giving, and what better way to spread generosity than by offering your time and skills? Many organizations actively seek volunteers, making it a fulfilling and budget-friendly way to contribute to your community. 

So, if you find yourself short on cash but rich in spirit, consider diving into the world of free events and volunteering—it's a win-win for your wallet and your sense of fulfillment.”

—Lenana

5. Set Boundaries With Friends and Family 

“As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving is in the air, but balancing generosity with financial responsibility is crucial. Without setting clear boundaries with friends and family, the desire to help can lead to overspending. Before becoming everyone's holiday hero, knowing where you stand financially is essential. 

Avoid the pitfall of becoming an unintended source of loans for friends and family. Saying yes to every financial request during the holidays can leave you dipping into your January funds, setting the stage for a financially challenging start to the new year.

I have mastered the art of saying no to prevent loved ones from unintentionally pushing me into overspending. When a friend or family member requests something that doesn't align with my budget and financial goals, I politely tell them I can’t help. And when friends invite me to a spontaneous night out, I let them know I had different plans for the night.”

—Simiyu

Read Also: How to Set Financial Boundaries For The Holidays With Family

6. Avoid Unnecessary Holiday Debt

“Going overboard with your spending during the season can leave you with a not-so-festive Holiday Debt Hangover if you are not careful. As January rolls around, the financial aftermath can shadow your New Year finances. 

Personally, I've found that the key to avoiding unnecessary holiday debt lies in setting a spending limit and sticking to it. Once I reach that limit, any additional items on my wishlist go on hold. Instead of succumbing to the temptation of instant gratification, I list those desired items and embark on a savings journey. 

Come February (or March), I will have the cash to make those purchases. This strategy helps me sidestep the pitfalls of holiday debt and sets a positive tone for the rest of the year. I can start the new year on a solid footing, free from the stress of lingering holiday expenses.”

 —Emma

7. Go on a No-Spend December 

“The holidays are synonymous with spending, but I've found a way to flip the script and make December a No-Spend month. Going on a No-Spend December isn't about depriving yourself; it's about being intentional with your money during a season known for its excesses.

For me, the key to a successful No-Spend December is simple: resist the urge to splurge on myself during the holiday sales. That means no eating out, spending on entertainment or attending end-year parties, and buying unnecessary gadgets. Rather than getting caught up in the frenzy of festive discounts, I consciously decide to wait until the holidays are over. 

The beauty of a No-Spend December is that it leaves me with extra cash in my pocket come January. I can build a financial buffer for the new year by resisting the allure of holiday deals. It's amazing how those seemingly small expenses add up, and skipping them for a month can make a significant impact.”

—Makena

8. Avoid the “Shopping Momentum Effect.” 

“Retailers have mastered the art of luring us into a spending spree. They've got it down to a science – from strategic display placements to the perfect blend of lighting and music, product arrangement in supermarkets to trigger impulse purchases, and well-targeted social media ads. Researchers call it the "shopping momentum effect," a phenomenon where we're more prone to continue spending once we've taken that initial plunge.

And it is not just that. Take those tempting Christmas sales, for instance. They're not just acts of generosity but strategic moves to keep the shopping momentum alive. Retailers follow them up with January clearances, creating a seamless transition from one spending spree to the next.

To avoid this well-calculated retail dance, I've found a few tricks. Firstly, there's the 24-hour rule. Before making any non-essential purchase, I give myself a day. It helps me reassess whether I truly need that item or if it's just a fleeting desire.

Then there's the power of cash. Swiping a card or paying with MPESA might be convenient, but using tangible money creates a psychological barrier. It makes me pause and question the necessity of my purchase.

Third, Understanding why I want to buy something is crucial. Is it a genuine need, or am I succumbing to the allure of a well-placed display? Knowing my spending triggers allows me to eliminate them, thwarting impulse spending urges.”

—Mwikali

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Read Also: 10 Festive Season Hacks for Cash-Strapped Parents

9. Shop Thrift 

“Rule number one in the money-saving handbook: skip the shiny, new purchases. Thrift stores are the unsung heroes for those who've figured this out and want to save extra money when holiday shopping. 

Navigating through secondhand items might seem daunting at first. The gems are often camouflaged among the less-than-stellar pieces. It takes perseverance to sift through the racks and shelves. 

A prime tip for successful thrifting is to hit the markets early. Early birds not only catch the worm but also the best deals. Most thrift shops open new stocks in the morning, and getting there ahead of the crowd increases your chances of finding hidden gems. 

Thrifting isn't just about saving money but finding unique items that tell a story. Often, I stumble upon items that make perfect, budget-friendly gifts. A vintage book, a quirky piece of decor, or a stylish accessory – these finds make thoughtful presents without breaking the bank. 

It's a win-win situation: I get to save money, and my loved ones receive something special and one-of-a-kind.”

—Chemutai

10. Look For Ways to Make Extra Money This December 

“As a teacher enjoying a well-deserved break in December, I find myself with the gift of time. This month offers a unique opportunity to explore additional avenues to boost my income. 

Firstly, embracing the fact that I have the entire month free allows me to venture into new income streams. Whether it's freelancing, tutoring, or engaging in a side hustle, these activities can be financially rewarding and intellectually stimulating.

Considering the financial challenges that often accompany the holiday season, having extra money in December is a strategic move. The additional funds act as a buffer, ensuring a smoother transition into January without financial strain.

Even if you're not on a break and find yourself working during the holidays, there are still opportunities to seize. Take, for example, seasonal gigs, online tutoring, freelancing, or participating in holiday events that offer monetary compensation. If you're a creative soul, why not turn your passion into profit? Craft personalized holiday gifts or decorations and sell.”

—Mwangi

Read Also: 10 Easy Ways to Make Money this Festive Season

WRAPPING UP

The holiday season isn't solely about emptying our wallets on material possessions. Rather, it's a time to invest in what truly matters – spending quality moments with loved ones, catching up, and planning for the future. You can do that without breaking the bank and starting the new year broke. 

As 2024 approaches, take time to reflect on your financial habits. Prioritize your finances by changing your spending practices not just for the holiday season but forever.